Tear Duct Obstruction

Tear duct obstruction, or nasolacrimal duct obstruction, occurs when the drainage pathway for tears from the eye to the nose is blocked. This condition can cause symptoms like persistent tearing, eye discharge, and occasional infections due to the accumulation of tears. Various factors can contribute to this blockage, including congenital issues, inflammation, trauma, or rarely, tumors. Symptoms range from watery eyes to crusty eyelids and potential vision blurring if the cornea becomes affected. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and severity of the obstruction. They include conservative measures like warm compresses and massage, or more invasive procedures such as probing or surgical correction to open up the duct. Effective treatment typically resolves symptoms and reduces the risk of complications associated with tear duct obstruction.